Bandari nail first win of the season

Bandari FC secured their first win of the season after three games, defeating Murang’a Seal 3-1 at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.

Goals from Geoffrey Ojunga, Hamza Mubarak, and Joseph Onyango sealed the victory for the home side, while Joe Waithira netted the lone goal for Murang’a Seal.

Murang’a Seal started brightly, taking the lead just six minutes into the match. Joe Waithira capitalized on a loose ball in the box after Bandari goalkeeper Alain Ngeleka had parried a powerful shot from Paul Osama. Waithira reacted quickly, firing a low shot past Ngeleka to put the visitors ahead.

Bandari responded swiftly. In the 16th minute, Geoffrey Ojunga leveled the score with a thunderous 25-yard strike that proved too powerful for Murang’a Seal’s goalkeeper Mustapha Oduor.

The Dockers nearly went ahead in the 25th minute when David Sakwa squandered a golden opportunity, misdirecting a tap-in after a brilliant cross from Mubarak Musa. Just a minute later, Darius Msagha and Ojunga both came close, but Oduor pulled off crucial saves to keep the score level.

However, Bandari’s persistence paid off in the 33rd minute. Sakwa beat two defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross, which was expertly headed home by Mubarak Musa to give the hosts a 2-1 lead going into halftime.

The second half saw Bandari take control of the game, dominating possession and creating more chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute when Joseph Onyango sealed the win with a close-range finish, beating Oduor to make it 3-1.

Speaking after the match, Bandari head coach John Baraza expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and result.

“Football is like going to war, but I’m happy with how we played and that we got the win. It was important to get our first victory, and now we’re confident we can build momentum going forward,” Baraza said.

Murang’a Seal coach Osborne Monday, however, was critical of the officiating.

“We followed our game plan, but a few mistakes cost us. Still, I blame the referees—some of their decisions were highly questionable. It’s becoming a trend, especially during key moments,” said Monday.